It’s the time of year when the world around us is mostly brown. The weather weaves between snow storms and rain, warmer breezes and the early morning bird songs, but also the cold snaps that usher us back inside under a blanket.
March and April are a couple of my favorite months because it isn’t actually time yet to work in the garden, but we can gather in the garden around a bonfire under the full moon. We can sit in the meditation circle with a friend and share a cup of tea. Its amazing to look around the garden and see what progress the last year brought, while dreaming of what might be when the weather turns and stays warm. Its a time for reflection and dreaming. A time to evaluate priorities and capacity.
People are out walking home from the bus, walking their dogs and taking walks with their kids. Neighbors are reconnecting and breathing deeper together, sharing what their long winter has been like for them. Spring brings a bit of hope, no matter how delicate, because spring is inviting us back into the garden. To get our hands in the dirt, slow down and be in the rhythm of plants and flowers. Gardens remind us we are living creatures much like the plants and critters that call earth their home. Its tangible, raw and vibrating.
We hope you make a few plans to plant some flowers in your own yard this year, and if you don’t have space or capacity, come to The Story Garden, 35th and Humboldt, to sit under a fruit tree, harvest some herbs, find food and medicine, or grab a book from the Free Little Library.
Last year we removed lots of old stagnant compost boxes, overgrown weeded areas and general clean up. (We took four truck loads to the dump!) This year will be about building and creating together. We hope you will join us! Email me at danielle.tietjen@gmail.com to be included in the newsletter and updates. Also, come join any of the following events coming up. We feel honored to build and grow beautiful things with you in our neighborhood.
Wednesday, April 16, 5-7 p.m. is the Seed Give Away and Exchange. Bring seeds if you have extra, but we have plenty to give away. We want to make sure neighbors of Humboldt Honey have pollinator plants to help feed the bees! Plus we have extra vegetable seeds to help you with your garden!
Saturday, May 3, 9 a.m.-noon. is the Tool Give Away at Folwell Park, and Garden Clean Up at the Story Garden! Bring the tools you want to get rid of, and come to get tools you need. This is a great way to not spend money and create systems of mutual aid within our community. More item exchanges will be happening at the garden throughout the summer, so stay tuned.
Sunday, May 18, 1-4 p.m. Spring Awakening and work day at the Garden. We will be planting and doing some much needed building projects at the garden, so come join us. Snacks provided!